Phillies Regret Not Re-Signing Pitcher Ranger Suarez

Suarez's departure leaves a hole in Phillies' rotation as they look to defend NL East title

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Phillies had a productive offseason, re-signing key players like Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto. However, their biggest offseason regret may be letting starting pitcher Ranger Suarez leave in free agency, as he signed a 5-year, $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Suarez was a crucial part of the Phillies' rotation from 2021-2025, including a standout 2025 season with a 3.20 ERA and 4.7 bWAR. His departure puts more pressure on the injury-prone Zack Wheeler to anchor the Phillies' starting staff as they look to defend their NL East division title.

Why it matters

Suarez's departure leaves a hole in the Phillies' starting rotation, which could be problematic given the health concerns around ace Zack Wheeler. Suarez provided valuable depth and consistency, and his absence means the Phillies will have to rely more heavily on unproven options like Cristopher Sanchez to fill out the rotation behind Wheeler. This could put the Phillies at a disadvantage in the competitive NL East, where they'll be fending off improved rosters from the Mets and Braves.

The details

Suarez signed a 5-year, $130 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in free agency, a deal the Phillies likely could have matched. Suarez was a key part of the Phillies' rotation from 2021-2025, including a standout 2025 season with a 3.20 ERA and 4.7 bWAR. His performances were especially crucial when Wheeler was sidelined with injury. The Phillies are now relying on the continued success of Cristopher Sanchez and the health of the aging Wheeler to anchor their starting staff.

  • Suarez signed with the Red Sox on January 15, 2026.
  • Wheeler was shut down in mid-August 2025 with venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

The players

Ranger Suarez

A left-handed starting pitcher who was a key part of the Phillies' rotation from 2021-2025, including a standout 2025 season with a 3.20 ERA and 4.7 bWAR.

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' ace starting pitcher who was shut down in mid-August 2025 with venous thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder. Wheeler will turn 36 years old during the 2026 season, raising questions about his ability to maintain his Cy Young-caliber performance.

Cristopher Sanchez

A Phillies starting pitcher who had a Cy Young-caliber season in 2025, but the Phillies will now need to rely on him more heavily with Suarez's departure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Phillies will need to explore free agent and trade options to bolster their starting rotation, with names like Nestor Cortes, Nick Martinez, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer as potential targets.

The takeaway

Letting Ranger Suarez walk in free agency could prove to be the Phillies' biggest offseason regret, as his departure leaves a hole in their starting rotation at a time when the NL East is shaping up to be highly competitive. The Phillies will need to make a move to replace Suarez's production and provide insurance for the aging Zack Wheeler.